The Union of Workers in Hospitality, Tourism, Restaurants, and Similar Industries of the South announced that ITAU, the new concessionaire in charge of meal services on the long-distance Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains, refuses to comply with the current company agreement (AE) applicable to the workers.
The union described ITAU’s stance as “illegal and a confrontation against the workers who have justly fought for many years to improve their living and working conditions.”
The union emphasized that ITAU has “the capacity to pay the amounts stipulated in the 2025 AE and to fully respect workers’ rights.”
Hence, workers serving on the Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains will “initiate a strike and a permanent vigil starting on November 6, demanding respect and full compliance with the company agreement.” This strike will continue indefinitely.
The union demands “shift schedules that adhere to an eight-hour daily workload and a 35-hour workweek,” payment for “Saturday and Sunday work with a 25% increase” and a “daily meal allowance of 11.50 euros and 13 euros.”
The union also seeks payment for seniority increments valued at 20 euros each and responsibility and transportation subsidies.
Workers will gather at the entrance of Santa Apolónia Station in Lisbon this morning, where “they will begin a permanent vigil/camp for an indefinite period at Santa Apolónia Station.”
